The general strike called for today is a manifestation of Landini’s narcissism

The secretary of the CGIL, Maurizio Landini, has called for his Friday rally, describing it as a general strike (though the figures for absences from work will likely be such as to disprove this description, at least if they follow the same pattern recorded on previous similar occasions). It now seems clear that Landini wishes to mark the final phase of his tenure with these public rallies, with the aim of thereby influencing the choice of his successor and the positioning of the CGIL – or at least its confederal structure – given that the sectoral federations, on the other hand, are seeking unified agreements with other trade unions to resolve contractual disputes, which have led to a phase characterised more by agreements than by industrial action. In reality, the critical state of the economy and the inflationary pressures stemming mainly from external causes would suggest seeking partial solutions with employers, who are facing problems similar to those of their employees; the CISL has taken this path, whilst the UIL is also adopting a cautious stance, having, in contrast, supported the CGIL’s demonstrations a year ago.

This division between the various levels of what remains Italy’s largest trade union is essentially a failure on the part of the confederal secretariat, which should ensure the organisation’s cohesion, whilst respecting its natural sectoral and regional divisions. On this issue, however, there is no internal debate because expectations of an imminent leadership change prevail. The only positive aspect has been the peaceful nature of the demonstrations organised by the CGIL, and it is to be hoped that, on this occasion too, the traditional efficiency of the security service will ensure that these ‘trade union’ initiatives remain non-violent. As for the reasons given for the strike – the high cost of living, anti-popular austerity measures and ‘military’ spending – there is little to say, other than that they are always the same and, as ever, are not accompanied by the presentation of reasonable alternatives; yet this would be necessary in negotiations or a labour dispute, whilst it is superfluous at a rally.